Rollin' on the River: “Show Boat,” at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through July 24- River Cities' Reader
While Noble is notable, Amber Gray is in the lead to be my favorite local performer of the summer, thanks also to her performances in the Showboat's Rent and Noises Off. Her Queenie is amusingly self-assured - alternating a bright smile and a raised eyebrow - and the actress also has the honor of performing what I think is the show's strongest composition, "Mis'ry's Comin' Aroun'" (a song cut from the original production and not reinstated until 1988). Gray's vocals are so memorably haunting, with their underlying sadness, that rather than Show Boat's more popular numbers, this was the song that was humming around in my head on the drive home.-Written by Thom White Wednesday, 21 July 2010 http://www.rcreader.com/theatre/rollin-on-the-river-show-boat/
"Showboat" Displays Local Talent in Production- Clinton Herald
In fact, one of the most impressive things about this show is the talented cast overall. Amber Gray as Queenie steals the stage whenever she’s on it — especially if she’s singing.- Written by Jami Smith http://clintonherald.com/entertainment/x1060807886/-Showboat-displays-local-talent-in-production/print
New Lease on Life: "Rent," at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through June 13
Still, there's much that's good about the Showboat's Rent, not least of which is Amber Gray, who plays Joanne. If anyone on stage understands, feels, and disappears into a character, it's Gray, who hits all the right notes, both vocally and emotionally. (It's a shame that Joanne isn't a bigger role!) -Written by Thom White. Monday, 07 June 2010- River Cities' Reader http://www.rcreader.com/theatre/new-lease-on-life-rent/
Model Twain: "Big River," at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre through August 8-River Cities' Reader
Big Riverisn't, however, a boys-only club. For one thing, it's directed by a woman - Jalayne Riewerts' show is well-paced and always interesting, even as the script and songs ebb and flow between fun, dramatic, dark, and dull. For another, there are women in the show, well-portrayed by Riewerts' female cast members. And while her role doesn't offer Amber Gray much opportunity to showcase her acting ability, it does show off her singing ability; her performance of "The Crossing" is haunting, while her "How Blest We Are" carries with it a deep sadness.Written by Thom White http://www.rcreader.com/theatre/model-twain-big-river/
‘River’ flows with great performances- Quad City Times
Director Jalayne Riewerts keeps everything at a lively pace throughout the musical, and music director Thea Engelson conducts a solid seven-person pit, including Lee, and directs the singers in the memorable score by country legend Roger Miller. (That includes a soulful gospel solo by Amber Gray, who should be required to sing such during every show she's in.) How memorable? I last saw "Big River" 18 years ago and could still recall many of the melodies.- Written by David Burke The Quad-City Times | Posted: Thursday, August 5, 2010
http://qctimes.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/theatre/river-flows-with-great-performances/article_67959af8-a002-11df-b43d-001cc4c002e0.html
http://qctimes.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/theatre/river-flows-with-great-performances/article_67959af8-a002-11df-b43d-001cc4c002e0.html
Theater review: ‘Glorious’ show wraps up college season- RRStar
The seven characters are members of an itinerant commedia dell’arte troupe on the cusp of the transition from comedic improvisation and mime to fully scripted plays. Some go willingly, and one doesn’t...leading lady Columbina is played by senior Amber Gray, also in fine voice, with a few more ways to strut her stuff than Scala’s role offers.- By Victor R. Yehling; Review on "The Glorious Ones"http://go.rrstar.com/gotoday/x749215153/Theater-review-Glorious-show-wraps-up-college-season
Review: AE’s take on Dickens fires on all cylinders- RRStar
Amber Gray acquits herself well as the somewhat smart-alecky Bogle (you can look it up) assigned to guide Marley in his task. She’s bright and energetic, and she serves as a good foil for the other characters.-By Victor R. Yehling; Review on "Jacob Marley's Christmas Carol"
http://go.rrstar.com/arts/x1355827244/Review-AE-s-take-on-Dickens-fires-on-all-cylinders
http://go.rrstar.com/arts/x1355827244/Review-AE-s-take-on-Dickens-fires-on-all-cylinders